Latching micro-magnetic switch with improved thermal reliability

Abstract

A micro-magnetic switch includes a permanent magnet and a supporting device having contacts coupled thereto and an embedded coil. The supporting device can be positioned proximate to the magnet. The switch also includes a cantilever coupled at a central point to the supporting device. The cantilever has a conducting material coupled proximate an end and on a side of the cantilever facing the supporting device and having a soft magnetic material coupled thereto. During thermal cycling the cantilever can freely expand based on being coupled at a central point to the supporting device, which substantially reduces coefficient of thermal expansion differences between the cantilever and the supporting device.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 390,164, filed Mar. 18, 2003, which claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent App. No. 60 / 364,617, filed Mar. 18, 2002, which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to electronic switches. More specifically, the present invention relates to latching micro-magnetic switches with structures having improved thermal and contact reliability. [0004] 2. Background Art [0005] Switches are typically electrically controlled two-state devices that open and close contacts to effect operation of devices in an electrical or optical circuit. Relays, for example, typically function as switches that activate or de-activate portions of electrical, optical or other devices. Relays are commonly used in many applications including telecommunications, ra...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] consumer electronics, military hardware, medical devices and vehicles of all types, just to name a few broad categories of goods. The latching micro-magnetic switch of the present invention has the advantages of compactness, simplicity of fabrication, and has good performance at high frequencies.

[0011] Embodiments of the present invention provide a micro-magnetic switch including a permanent magnet and a supporting device having contacts coupled thereto and an embedded coil. The supporting device can be positioned proximate to the magnet. The switch also includes a cantilever coupled at a central point to the supporting device. The cantilever has a conducting material coupled proximate an end and on a side of the cantilever facing the supporting device and having a soft magnetic material coupled thereto. During thermal cycling the cantilever can freely expand based on being coupled at a central point to the supporting device, which substantially reduces coefficient of thermal expansion differences between the cantilever and the supporting device.

Problems solved by technology

Such relays typically exhibit a number of marked disadvantages, however, in that they generally exhibit only a single stable output (i.e. the quiescent state) and they are not latching (i.e. they do not retain a constant output as power is removed from the relay).

Moreover, the spring required by conventional micro-magnetic relays may degrade or break over time.

Moreover, the power required to generate the opposing field would be significant, thus making the relay less desirable for use in space, portable electronics, and other applications that demand low power consumption.

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